Very High Wildfire Danger - Whitecourt Forest Area

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is now very high for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Today, warm, dry weather is mixing with strong, and gusty winds. The wind is forecast to be north west 25 km/h, gusting to 45 km/h, under these conditions a wildfire can start easily, and quickly become out of control.

Areas of dry grass and woody debris create a significant wildfire hazard. If you are in the forest or in grassy areas along roadways, take the extra time to prevent wildfires.

If you see smoke in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).

FIRE ADVISORY

As of May 2, 2018, a fire advisory was issued for the Whitecourt Forest Area. The advisory remains in effect because of the warm, dry, weather, and the dry grass wildfire hazard.

Not permitted

Any burning (except campfires) within the Whitecourt Forest Area.
Current fire permits (except burn barrels) are now suspended and new permits will not be issued until the advisory is lifted.

Permitted

Small, safe, cooking and warming fires are allowed; please take the time to ensure your fire is completely extinguished.
Permitted burn barrels.

The fire advisory will remain in place until conditions improve. For more information visit albertafirebans.ca.

WILDFIRE SITUATION | May 8, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.

Whitecourt Forest Area

There is 1 wildfire in the Whitecourt Forest Area; WWF-005 was discovered May 5, 2018 and is under control at 3.0 hectares. The wildfire is approximately 21 km south west of the Town of Whitecourt, on the east side of Highway 32. No communities or structures are being threatened. Firefighters will continue to monitor the site, looking for hotspots to extinguish.

Since March 1, 2018, there have been 5 wildfires; with a total area burnt of 4.75 hectares

Province of Alberta

There are 23 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 2 wildfires are being held, 15 are under control, and 6 have been turned over to the responsible party. Learn more about wildfire status definitions.

Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 186 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, with a total area burnt of 452.67 hectares.

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES CAN START WILDFIRES

Grasses, branches, and mud can build-up on any vehicle designed for off road use. The debris can ignite from the heat of the machine, fall off and start a wildfire. Remove debris before, during, and after your ride.

Quick wildfire prevention tips:

Be prepared to take action. Carry a small shovel, collapsible pail, source of water or fire extinguisher with you on every ride.
Clean the machine before, during and after a ride. Keeping your machine debris free will prevent the exhaust system from causing a wildfire.
Strategically park the vehicle on bare mineral soil if possible, do not park in areas of dead, dry grass.
Exit and check. When possible, drive out on the path you drove in on, allowing you to check for fires that may have started.

HAZARD REDUCTION BURNING

A hazard reduction burn, southeast of the Town of Swan Hills is 30 per cent complete. The project is currently suspended until conditions are conducive for a safe, controlled burn. The project will safely remove the dangerous build-up of grass in the area, helping to prevent the occurrence of a wildfire.

Image: Hazard reduction burn, near the Town of Swan Hills, in 2017.

Every spring, dry grass creates a wildfire hazard in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Alberta Wildfire continuously works with local municipal fire departments to identified areas of wildfire hazard in and around their communities. One way to remove a dry grass hazard is through a hazard reduction burn; a planned, controlled burn, carried out by trained, professional firefighters. Hazard reduction burns help to prevent the occurrence of fast moving wildfires.

ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Subscribe to the Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update to receive an email when new local wildfire information is posted.
On the Web, get wildfire information for anywhere in Alberta by visiting: wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android devices.
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Whitecourt Area Update